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2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup: India women’s cricket team secured a semi-final place
On a packed afternoon at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the host nation’s women’s cricket side wrote a fresh chapter in their history. The India women’s national cricket team defeated the New Zealand women’s national cricket team by 53 runs (DLS method) in their match on 23 October 2025, thereby securing the final semi-final spot of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
This was not just a victory — it was a statement. After a rocky middle phase of the tournament, India bounced back in style with a dominant batting display followed by disciplined bowling. The result broke a streak of three consecutive losses and sent a clear message: when India are at their best, they are very much in the title race.
Setting the stage
The road to this moment was far from straightforward. Earlier in the tournament, India had begun with promise but then stumbled — losses to South Africa women’s national cricket team, Australia women’s national cricket team and England women’s national cricket team left their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread. Entering the New Zealand fixture, media and experts were unanimous: India must win this match (and ideally the next) to keep their knockout hopes alive.
That pressure could have weighed heavily — but instead it seemed to galvanise the team.
The batters stole the show
India’s innings will be remembered for a long time. The opening pair set a platform that left New Zealand chasing shadows.
- Smriti Mandhana smashed a polished 109 — her 14th ODI hundred — anchoring the innings with both flair and control.
- Partnering her, Pratika Rawal compiled a brilliant 122, his maiden World Cup ODI century, as the two shared a mammoth 212-run stand for the first wicket.
- Promoted to No.3, Jemimah Rodrigues then provided the finish, remaining unbeaten on 76 (55) and helping India close at 340/3 in 49 overs.
For New Zealand, such a total felt like a mountain. And when the opponent fires on all cylinders like this, half the job is done.
Bowling with purpose & bringing it home
Chasing a revised target of 325 in 44 overs (DLS adjustment due to rain), New Zealand made a fight of it with contributions like 81 by Brooke Halliday and 65* by Isabella Gaze. But India’s bowlers had the answers when it mattered.
Deepti Sharma grabbed the final wicket in dramatic style, ensuring victory on the last ball. The hosts got back on track just when it was most required, combining early breakthroughs with tight lines and slowing the run-flow.
The significance of the victory
By clinching the win, India became the fourth team to make the semi-finals, joining Australia, England and South Africa. Equally important: they broke their losing streak and shifted momentum back in their favour. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on the match saying:
“We knew how important this game was … the entire team was charged up.”
In sport, confidence is often built on key moments. This win isn’t just about points — it’s about belief.
What lies ahead
India still have one group match remaining (against Bangladesh women’s national cricket team), but with their progression assured, they can approach it with more calm and less pressure.
In the semi-finals, they will face one of the other three qualifiers—depending on final standings. With this win, they’ve shown they have both firepower and composure.
Looking beyond the numbers
It’s worth noting what this match signals:
- Flat wickets at Indian grounds are producing big totals, and India’s top order took full advantage.
- The vetting of squad depth: it wasn’t a one-player show — contributions came widely.
- Handling pressure: after three straight defeats, India responded when it mattered most.
A team that can bounce back like this is dangerous in knockout cricket.
Final thoughts
Today’s performance was more than a win — it was redemption. At home, under pressure, in front of an expectant crowd, India delivered. The opening partnership of Mandhana and Rawal will be etched into memory, the disciplined bowling will build belief, and the confidence derived from this moment could carry them far.
As the Women’s World Cup heads into its final phase, the hosts have sent a clear message: they’re not just participating — they’re contending.
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